The extent to which GERMANY will support ITALY remains
 highly speculative. At present, it is estimated that she
 could release 5 or 6 divisions from AXIS occupied territory.
 It is unlikely that she will transfer any divisions from the
 Russian front so long as the situation there remains critical.
 Probably no more than one of these divisions will be allocated
 to the Heel.
 
         The following are therefore the maximum ground forces
 that would initially be encountered in the contemplated
operation:
 
                            3 - Italian divisions
                            1 - German division
                           ---  
                            4 - Total
 
         This total can be established within a few days after
 the decision to do so is made.
 
b. Air.
 
       The current estimate of AXIS combat air strength in
 the MEDITERRANEAN area is:
 
1164 - German
1425- Italian
------------------- 
2589 - Total airplanes
 
         It is probable that, due to losses in the battles of
 TUNISIA and SICILY, AXIS air forces presently available to
 oppose our landings may be reduced by 500 to 1000 aircraft.
 It is considered that in a two-month period of time from
 the completion of the battle of SICILY most of the German
 fighter and some of the bomber losses will be replaced.
 Italian ability to replace air losses is practically non
existent. It is, therefore, considered that a net AXIS loss. 
of 400 to 800 aircraft will result from the Tunisian and
 Sicilian battles, leaving from 1800 to 2200 AXIS aircraft to
 oppose the operation against the Heel of ITALY.
 
                                      -5-